Blues Jazz & Boogie
Julien Brunetaud
Biography
Born in January 1982 in Agen, France, Julien Brunetaud began playing piano when he was 12. He learned to play by ear and put together his own band at a very early age. His talent was instantly recognized by bluesman Nico Wayne Toussaint,
who hired him for a recording session and European
tour, he crossed paths with many renowned musicians and performed around the world with greats like BB KING, CHUCK BERRY, BIG JOE TURNER, Dana GILLESPIE, Keith B. BROWN, MoJo BUFORD, Joe Louis Walker, John PRIMER and Louisiana RED... Also a singer, Brunetaud created the group JBBoogie and recorded the album “Live au Comptoir”, which won Best First Recording in 2002.
In 2005, Brunetaud earned the France Blues Award for Best European Pianist and traveled extensively in the U.S.. In CINCINNATI, Ohio, he burned up City Hall playing as a special guest with Ricky NYE. In Tucson, Arizona, he opened for Pinetop PERKINS, performing solo on piano. In MISSISSIPPI, with Bordeaux Delta Blues, Brunetaud opened for living legend BB KING at the Ebony Club in Indianola. In NEW ORLEANS, he played at the Jazz Heritage Festival. In PARIS, he performed with Chuck Berry at the Elysée Montmartre in 2005. In 2006, he placed second in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis and played in a tribute to ROOSEVELT SYKES at the CHICAGO Blues Fest.
Returning to live in Paris, Brunetaud attended the Bill Evans Piano Academy and played in many famous Parisian clubs (Caveau de la Huchette, Jazz-Club Lionel Hampton, Bilboquet...). He also recorded and toured with the Guillaume NOUAUX Quintet featuring Leroy JONES and joined soon after clarinet player Evan CHRISTOPHER's quintet, recording and playing concerts in New Orleans (Snug Harbor, Donna’s Bar and Grill) and New York (Joey’s Pub, Lighthouse).
Brunetaud earned the HOT CLUB of FRANCE Musician of the Year Award for his second album, « Orleans Street Boogie » and released a third album, « Driftin' Blues » both produced by Southland Records. On a three-month stay in NEW YORK, studying and playing, he made ties with musicians Georges CABLES and Aaron GOLDBERG, among many others. He has participated in the Mustique Blues Festival in the Caribbean for ten years, which benefits local children via the Basil Charles Educational Foundation.
In 2010 He got a record deal with the independent French label Fremeaux and Associate for his album « Look Like twins » recorded in Meudon, France, this album shows his love for afro american repertoire in an intimist climat.
In 2014 he produced the first Nikki and Jules album, selftitled, a collaboration with the American singer Nicolle Rochelle, mixing soulful jazz and blues standards with original compositions.
Inspired by piano masters from the Crescent city Professor Longhair, Dr John ou Harry Connick jr, his fourth album « Playground » presents his compositions and arrangement of traditional standards. Playground proposes an original take on Contemporary piano blues With the release of his fourth Album, Playground, he confirms today his commitment as an eclectic and passionated music producer .
In 2017 Julien Brunetaud formes a trio band with Greg Zlap and Ian Siegal and tours also with the band SPSA with whom he records a Freddie King tribute album. At the same time, he plays with the English singer Hugh Coltman, and releases Nikki and Jules second album, “Baby Blues”, on the Brojar music label.
Julien Brunetaud develops his playing following the chronology of jazz. Inspired by the pianists Thelonious Monk, Kenny Barron or Nils Frahm, he does not forget his first influences such as Otis Spann, who leaves an indelible mark on his playing.
Settled in Marseille since 2018, he frees himself from codes to compose more freely. Julien Brunetaud is surrounded by Sam Favreau on double bass and Cedrick Bec on drums to create his new trio "JB3". Together they record his 5th album "Feels Like Home" on Fresh Sound Records, in which he does not sing for the first time. They explore a new, free sound with a passionate groove.
Julien Brunetaud is back with his sixth album Bluesiana which draws inspiration from his different trips in Louisiana and Mississippi. Blues, Boogie Woogie and Stride piano alternate among six original and six revisited standards. With his swinging piano skills and warm vocals Julien lead us masterfully into the blues piano world.
Discographie